Report: Budget targets kids’ health

OLYMPIA — The Associated Press has learned that Gov. Chris Gregoire’s proposed budget will suspend health coverage increases for kids and cut state payments for disabled people who can’t work.

The Democratic governor plans to unveil her plan Thursday for fixing a budget deficit of more than $5 billion. A senior state official spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to comment publicly on Gregoire’s budget.

Gregoire’s spokesman has declined to comment.

Democrats have made state health care for kids a major priority in recent years. But Gregoire apparently sees a suspension of those plans as necessary to balance the budget. She’s pledged to not raise taxes.